Disney’s Iconic “it’s a small world” Closing for a Festive Makeover—What to Expect!
Disneyland Resort is about to bid a temporary farewell to one of its most beloved attractions! If you’re planning a visit soon, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming closure of Disneyland’s iconic “it’s a small world”.
While Sleeping Beauty Castle is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Disneyland Park, the park is home to many other cherished icons.
From the eerie charm of the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square to the exhilarating Matterhorn Bobsleds in Fantasyland and the interstellar thrills of Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, Disneyland is a treasure trove of magical experiences. However, starting next week, one of these classic attractions will be taking a brief hiatus.
As per the official Disneyland Resort website, “it’s a small world” will be closing its doors on September 16 for a temporary refurbishment. This beloved ride, known for its cheerful tune and captivating global scenes, will be unavailable to guests until mid-November.
So why the shutdown? The reason for the closure is to prepare “it’s a small world” for its festive transformation. When the attraction reopens on November 15, it will debut as “It’s a Small World” Holiday, showcasing a joyful Yuletide overlay that brings seasonal cheer to this timeless ride.
This holiday version is a cherished part of Disneyland’s annual “Holidays at the Disneyland Resort” celebrations, adding a touch of festive magic to the classic journey around the globe.
Theme park journalist Scott Gustin confirmed the closure details on X (formerly Twitter), noting, “During the 2-month closure, crews will install holiday theming and work on lighting and general maintenance throughout the ride.”
This means that while the attraction will be dressed up for the season, it will also undergo important maintenance to ensure it continues to delight guests.
Unfortunately, the original version of “It’s a Small World” won’t be back until early 2025, as the holiday overlay will remain in place through January 6, 2025. Based on previous patterns, we can expect that the ride might remain in its holiday form until early March, but no official date has been confirmed yet for the return of the classic version.
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In the meantime, Disneyland guests can enjoy other festive experiences during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. The Haunted Mansion, for instance, will transform into Haunted Mansion Holiday, a spooky yet festive overlay inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
This seasonal version brings Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and Zero to the iconic attraction in New Orleans Square, offering a delightfully eerie holiday twist.
If you’re worried about missing out on “it’s a small world” during its closure, don’t fret! You can take a virtual ride with Inside the Magic through their “it’s a small world” POV video. Relive the joy of this Disneyland classic and get a sneak peek of what you’re missing.
Will the temporary closure of “it’s a small world” affect your Disneyland visit plans? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let us know how this news might impact your magical adventure at Disneyland Park! And remember to keep an eye out for the festive updates coming soon to the happiest place on earth!